Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Robert W Haupt

Charles Wynn

Mordechai Rothschild

Shaun R Berry

Vladimir Liberman

Charles G Doll, Jr

Sumanth Kaushik

Stephen T Palmacci

Ken Rolt

A system and method for determining tissue changes. Shear waves are transmitted across the tissue in response to an ultrasonic signal input exterior to the tissue surface. Adaptive beam forming signal processing is applied to signal returns and arrivals to remove distortions by targeting velocity contrasts. Shear-wave dispersion, such as due to viscosity and mass changes in the tissue, are then estimated and compared to reference data to determine tissue health.

System and method for analyzing tissue using shear waves

A system and method for noncontact ultrasound imagery capable of generating images in a manner that is safer for eyes and skin is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed to direct light signals with wavelengths of 1400-1600 nanometers into the patient to generate acoustic disturbances that induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances may be translated in defined directions to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, generate a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the scatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient may be generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination. Ultrasound images can be generated without physically contacting the patient.

System and method for non-contact ultrasound with enhanced safety

A seismic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement including at least one pair of elements, each angled with respect to a vertical and extending into the earth and toward a protection zone. The elements thus form a tapered aperture, the structural arrangement defining the protection zone at an upper portion of the aperture. Each element defines an inner volume and contains a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated seismic wave in earth having a wavelength at least one order of magnitude greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner volume of each of the elements. The medium is at least one of air, gas, water, and viscous fluid. The structural arrangement is configured to attenuate power from the anticipated seismic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated seismic wave external to the protection zone.

Wave damping structures

A system and method for generating ultrasound images of a subject without physically contacting the subject is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed that directed into a scanning mirror to transmit acoustic disturbances into a patient to induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances are translated along the patient in a defined direction to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the backscatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient are generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination.

Systems and methods for generating non-contact ultrasound images using photoacoustic energy

A seismic, water, or acoustic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of a wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

A kit for detecting the presence of an explosive includes a pulsed focused energy source located at a target distance away from a substrate, the energy having a magnitude sufficient to release the internal energy of an explosive if present on the substrate and thereby generate an acoustic wave. The kit also includes a detector adapted to detect the acoustic wave at a detection distance away from the substrate.

Method and kit for stand-off detection of explosives

Sonic excitation is used to locate, without contact, an object or defect beneath a surface. Defects may include, for example, damage and flaws in load bearing concrete structures wrapped in plastic, fiberglass or composite sheathing, while buried objects amenable to detection include landmines or above-ground mines.

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, MA, United States of America

Robert W Haupt